valeria out loud

(Republishing- Not sure what happened but my post went to the trash folder!).

Hey WordPressers! How are ya? Hope all good.

I am back to update my blog with our second leg of our trip, Paris. I wanted to post Paris into one neat post like I had for London, but this is proving a challenge. We did so much that putting it all into one post would be hectic..so..what I am going to do is truncate days together so it’s an easier read.

July 8- rest of Day 4- Arriving in Paris from London…

As I mentioned in my last post, we boarded the Eurostar in London at 3:30P, eager to embark on this much-anticipated part of the journey. PARIS! The clock struck 7P as we pulled into Paris, there is a one hour time change, and the city of lights welcomed us with its enchanting aura. Well actually, it’s sweltering heat.

Ok, from this point on, just know it was HOT every day till we went home. Which was great, some days, but hot hot hot. (and for me to say that, it was HOT, guys.)

Stepping off the train, a wave of anticipation washed over us along with the heat, knowing that we were about to immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of Paris. This was our daughters’ first time in France, and, my husband and I’s second trip together (he has been back to Paris a few times for work this year and last).

Our journey took us to the heart of the city, where our hotel awaited in the Marais district. Paris is split out into 20 districts I believe. Each neighborhood is unique with the influence of the culture in the area. So neat to witness. We surprised the girls with each of us having our own room, providing us with a sense of privacy and comfort that added an extra touch of luxury to our initial stay. Also, I didn’t have to hear my kids talking every morning of my snoring.

🤦🏻‍♀️ Hey guys, guess what? I SNORE. And it seems to be a not me issue, since I sleep soundly. lol

As we settled into our rooms and freshened up, the vibrant Parisian streets beckoned us to explore. With the sun still casting its golden glow, we ventured out for a delightful, and much needed, dinner.

The summer evenings in Paris are truly magical, the sun doesn’t set until well past 10:30P. The streets are bathed in a warm and gentle light, casting an irresistible allure upon the city. We found a cute cafe to have dinner, with seating out front. Eating outside in front of a cafe/bistro is a cultural thing in Summer. There’s not a lot of AC around, and people flock outside. So, dining under the Parisian sky, surrounded by the city’s architectural wonders and the laughter of fellow diners, it literally felt like a dream.

Our dinner turned into a lingering affair. Actually, this whole trip is speckled with us dining for hours at a time, but to be completely transparent, we do this very thing at home too; we eat together at least 99.9% of the time together and it is our time to catch up (my favorite time). So meals and conversations that happen can last an hour..to two… to three, to my fifteen year old’s chagrin.

We were so excited to get seated so quickly and to eat some food. We ordered burrata with ffresh picked tomatoes and pesto, cage free eggs mimosa-a specialty in Paris, locally sourced Spring greens risotto, quinoa salad with local veggies, French fries (of course) and …a burger. ha! We ordered a bottle of regional white wine and also enjoyed a few spritzes before we left. It was such great food. As the night wore on, we savored every bite, every sip, and every shared story, creating cherished memories that would forever be etched in our hearts.

With our first night in Paris coming to a close, I couldn’t help but feel immense gratitude as we walked back to our hotel, for the incredible experience that brought us to that moment. The combination of the stunning Parisian backdrop, the warmth of our family’s companionship, and that sense of awe and wonder of what was to come next.

It was a great day and couldn’t wait for the next!

July 9- Day 5- The Pompidou Center- our fifth day of adventure!

This day started with a good restful morning, and we decided to grab brunch that set the tone for the day. We weren’t expecting to eat as much as we had but so glad that we did. We ended up not eating until dinner at 9:30P.

After brunch we made our way to the Pompidou Center, a first for our daughters. The Pompidou Center is a renowned modern and contemporary art museum. Known for its distinctive and colorful exterior, the center houses an impressive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The center was a whirlwind of fun, with hours spent exploring art and enjoying the outdoor installations, including the captivating water feature on the roof which showcased the view of all of Paris. To die for view.

It was a scorcher of a day, so as we left the museum we decided to treat ourselves to some light souvenir shopping and drinks at Paris Beaubourg, where we soaked in the atmosphere and observed the lively crowds. Time seemed to slip away with conversation and people watching, that we had to race to grab a car for dinner reservations -at Au Bourguignon du Marais.

This restaurant was perfection. We were seated outside, and again, the hours flew by as we talked and indulged in food, like Beef Bourguignon, steak and tuna poke bowls. Before we knew it the time was past 11P.

We weren’t all that tired so we embarked on a journey to the Fourth Quarter to see the Notre Dame, a place close to our hearts since our first visit in 2011. The church, now under construction, had a unique charm with stadium seating placed out front, allowing us to appreciate its beauty from a new perspective. The hour we spent there was unforgettable.

Walking back over the Seine River after, the city came alive with the shimmering lights against the darkness, making us feel like we were in a lover’s dream. Well for my husband and I. Really, the dreaminess of this trip made up for our last visit ten fold!

Gah I just love Paris. She truly knows how to cast its spell. ❤️

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Thanks for stopping by to catch up on days four and five, guys! We walked so much and saw so much more than I could add into the posts- Paris is such an eclectic electric city. I miss it so much right now. 😞

Please stay tuned for my next installments where we stick around Paris a few more days then move onto Disneyland and then the French Riviera. Oooh là là! 🇫🇷

Have a great week ahead, guys! till next post xo